Irving City Council Expected to adopt the rezoning recommendation on Thursday Giving Green Light for Las Vegas Sands 'Destination Resort'

Las Vegas Sands Corporation, a major casino and resort company, has been pushing for a rezoning proposal in Irving to develop a large-scale mixed-use project on approximately 1,000 acres near the former Texas Stadium site. This development includes plans for corporate offices, retail, residential spaces, and a "destination resort" that would feature a hotel, entertainment venues, and potentially a casino—if casino gambling is legalized in Texas. The land in question, owned by entities tied to Las Vegas Sands, spans around 259 acres, with the rezoning focused on creating a "high-intensity mixed-use district" to allow for uses like an arena, casino gaming, and a resort.

The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission voted on this rezoning proposal on March 17, 2025, with a narrow 5-4 decision to recommend it to the Irving City Council. The council is set to consider adopting this recommendation on Thursday, March 20th

However, casino gambling remains illegal in Texas under current state law, requiring a constitutional amendment (needing two-thirds approval in the Texas Legislature and a majority vote from Texas citizens) to change that. Las Vegas Sands has been lobbying heavily for this legalization, but it’s uncertain whether it will succeed in the 2025 legislative session.

Hundreds of Irving residents have protested, raising concerns about potential increases in crime, traffic, addiction, and the impact on the community’s family-friendly character. On March 13, 2025, a petition titled "Stop the Rezoning of PUD 6 for 'Destination Resort/Casino'" on Change.org had garnered over 2,600 signatures, reflecting concerns about increased crime, addiction, and outside influence on local government. The petition emphasized a preference for developments like small businesses, green spaces, and family-friendly attractions over a casino. A town hall hosted by District 5 Council Member Mark Cronenwett on March 14, 2025, saw significant pushback, with many attendees rejecting the "resort" framing and focusing on the casino aspect.